How to Keep Your Dog from Misbehaving While You’re Away

Some people get confused because of how devoted dogs can become to one person, but make no mistake about it – dogs are social animals. That’s why you should consider this when you’re deciding whether or not to get a puppy. If your dog spends too much time alone, it will become anxious and act out. Your dog may bark incessantly all day and bother the neighbors, leave little “surprises” for you on the carpet, or chew holes through your best shoes. But, how can you discipline your dog, if you’re not there when the deeds are being done? The answer is to keep your dog occupied, so it doesn’t have too much pent up energy.

1. Exercise. All dogs need exercise, but large breeds especially do. Before you leave for work in the morning, take your dog for a brisk walk or go to the park for a vigorous game of fetch. Afterwards, your dog will likely be tired and sleep through much of the day.

2. Entertainment. Leave your dog with some of its favorite toys, so your shoes don’t look so tempting when the urge to chew comes on. If your dog is resistant to playing with toys, get the kind that holds a treat inside; at least then there is some incentive.

3. Potty-Breaks. Consider hiring a dog walker or a neighbor to come take Fido for a mid afternoon potty-break. It’ll be a chance for your dog to get some exercise and give it somewhere else to release those “surprises.” This is especially important if you work long hours, so you should plan ahead if you know you won't be home much. For example, if you're a tax accountant, you might work 12-hour days leading up to April 15th, but not so much the rest of the year. Plan to have someone come walk your dog during the busy season.

4. Friendship. Some recommend that you get a second dog, if you don’t spend a lot of time at home. Sometimes this works out, and sometimes it doesn’t. For one, the dogs might not get along. Even if they get along, they are spending more time with each other than you, so bad habits can easily be passed along from one dog to another. So, instead of one barker annoying the neighbors, you now have two. It usually works best when you get the second dog before there is a behavioral problem.